Occupancies, travel figures surge on Holy Week break

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the financial challenges hounding the country today, the tradition of taking advantage of the days off work during the Holy Week to rest and relax has sustained this year, as manifested in the increase in hotel and resort occupancies.

Travel across the Philippine seas, a practice by most people working and living in Cebu to visit their families and relatives in their respective native provinces, was also reflected in the increase in passengers of the Aboitiz's shipping company.

According to Andrew D. Deyto, Superferry vice president for sales and marketing, the shipping company's average passenger load volume increases by 80-percent to 100-percent during the holy week.

"It has been expected that we experience a surge in passenger volume during the Holy Week. It's a long break for those who are working and they grab the chance to be with family to celebrate the Lenten season and get the rest from the hustle and bustle of the metro," he said.

Deyton said the company coordinated with government authorities such as the Philippine Coast Guard and the MARINA to ensure the safety and security of the passengers. Signages were well displayed in the terminals to direct passengers on where to go and remind them to deal with authorized SuperFerry personnel, who were required to wear the official identification and uniform so it is not hard to find them to get information or to ask for directions.

Superferry also released in advanced travel tips in different publications to remind passengers to be at the pier 6 hours before their departure time to be able to avoid the crowd, to make sure that their hand carried baggages have all the essentials that they need while onboard, and that they do not leave their baggages unattended aside from the other reminders.

Meanwhile, Mildred Amon, Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa director of communications, said the five-star resort was already fully-booked for April 2 and 3 in the last week of March yet.

She said Shangri-La has always experienced full occupancy during the holy week, especially on Easter Sundays. This spells about 25-percent to 30-percent increase from the resort's average monthly occupancy rate.

"We have always been full during the holy week. (This is why) we are always prepared. Aside from the facilities, which are already given and in place, we have activities geared toward Easter Sunday like the Easter egg hunt for kids," Amon told The FREEMAN.

Tubod Flowing Waters, a home-grown emerging resort-destination in the southern part of Cebu, likewise gained business during the holy week.

"(Increase in occupancy) is 100-percent compared to the regular weeks in Tubod. (But) the summer season is really a busy season (for us,)" said Robert Chan, president of Tubod owner and operator Shemdale Realty Inc.

For summer, Shangri-La's Amon said the resort offered again this year its Summer-rush promotion, which sells Shangri-La gift certificates that are 25-percent discounted of the regular rates. Shangri-La's "best available" rate for a room for two with breakfast is P10, 500++.

The 3-day activity, which was held in Ayala Center Cebu last month, is an act of appreciation for the local market.

"Our local market performed well last year. This is a sort of saying thank you to them for patronizing Shangri-La. We want to appreciate them and show them how important they are to us," Amon said.

She said Shangri-La's performance in the first quarter of the year was five-percent better than in the same period last year. The resort did not increase room rates this year.